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Should the Detroit Tigers sign any of these former star pitchers?

By Jacob Boes

BALTIMORE, MD - AUGUST 27: Matt Harvey #32 of the Baltimore Orioles pitches during a baseball game against the Tampa Bay Rays at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on August 27, 2021 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD - AUGUST 27: Matt Harvey #32 of the Baltimore Orioles pitches during a baseball game against the Tampa Bay Rays at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on August 27, 2021 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) /
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WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 23: Matt Harvey #32 of the Baltimore Orioles pitches against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on May 23, 2021, in Washington, DC. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 23: Matt Harvey #32 of the Baltimore Orioles pitches against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on May 23, 2021, in Washington, DC. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images) /

1) RHP Matt Harvey

Matt Harvey was once a flamethrower with the Mets who put up ERA numbers under 3.0 his first three seasons and combined for 11.8 WAR. Harvey likely would have won the NL Cy Young in 2013 if not for Tommy John Surgery that halted his year in August and spoiled his 2014 campaign.

2015 was Harvey’s last exceptional year; then in July 2016, Harvey was diagnosed with Thoracic outlet syndrome and was never the same pitcher. Since then, Harvey has never thrown more than 155 innings in a single season.

Most recently, Harvey started 28 games for the Orioles; supplying a 6.27 ERA and -0.7 WAR. 2021 was Harvey’s third consecutive season of below replacement-level ball; making him a probable minor league free-agent candidate.

Harvey will be entering his age-33 season and while he has maintained his fastball velocity since 2017, he struggles to get swings and misses. If the Tigers take a chance, it’s either for minor league depth or maybe Fetter has a scheme to improve upon Harvey’s poor whiff and strikeout numbers.

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